Agent has made it clear that his client will leave Manchester United in January following harsh treatment from Erik Ten Hag

Super agent Jorge Mendes has a clear mandate to find a new club for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo in January, claims Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Portugal international was ready to leave the Red Devils during the recent transfer window as he was desperate to play Champions League football for a 20th consecutive season.

However, no concrete offer was on the table, while United and manager Erik ten Hag were also content to keep him without looking for a replacement.

Since then, Ronaldo has scored just two goals in all competitions, and the 37-year-old is now said to be still keen to play in the Champions League.

The Portuguese is currently focused on his club duties ahead of his possible final World Cup, but Mendes is working behind the scenes to find him a new team.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are mentioned as possible candidates to land the five-time Champions League winner, who Roy Keane recently described as “unbelievable”.

Manchester United won’t part with Ronaldo in January

Ronaldo has had a difficult start to the season with Ten Hag. He has struggled for starts, but his fortunes could change after his goal last weekend.

Following Anthony Martial’s injury, the Portuguese came on against Everton at Goodison Park and made the difference by scoring the winning goal.

It was his 700th goal for the club, making him the first player to do so. Ronaldo could now have a bigger part to play in the line-up, provided he manages to maintain his scoring form.

In the meantime, we don’t think a mid-season exit could be on the cards. Madrid president Florentino Perez has consistently ruled out the possibility of a reunion with Ronaldo.

Thomas Tuchel did not want Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge, but the scenario has changed somewhat with the German’s replacement by Graham Potter as manager.

Blues owner Todd Boehly could rekindle his interest in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but that could also depend on the form of the squad’s current strikers.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has emerged as the best striker, scoring in each of his last three games. If he continues his brilliant run, they may not need another striker.

It looks like United will keep Ronaldo until next summer. At that point, a decision could be made whether to activate his 12-month option to buy or let him walk.